The beginning of each year usually is the time for reports to come out, that aim to help us predict what this particular year has in store for us. This is the case for the sustainability field as well. Today I would like to highlight two reports that are exploring sustainability trends that are likely to shape 2018.

The Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership report

Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) from the UK has been very active over the past years with their research on sustainability trends. The new report titled, “CISL report 2018“, the reader will find “find the condensed views and predictions of more than 40 Directors, Fellows, and Senior Associates affiliated to the CISL, supported by a survey of the wider CISL global Network of 8,000 senior leaders and leading practitioners representing every industry on every continent.” You can download the report directly by clicking the image below.

Forum for the Future: The future of Sustainability in 2018

“Extreme climate events are commonplace – witness three hurricanes over category 4 strength in just one season. Catastrophes like the forest fires in Borneo barely make the news – they have become the ‘new normal’. And plastic pollution has been revealed to be far more pervasive than previously suspected, contaminating the water we drink, the food we eat, and even the air we breathe, everywhere on Earth. Fortunately non-linear change can lead to positive outcomes, too. We have selected seven areas we believe are particularly dynamic now, and which present rich opportunities to develop radically more sustainable behaviour and practice, through 2018 and towards the 2020s.”

Volatility: A sustainability trend these reports have in common

Both reports have a lot in common but one trend and outlook is striking to me. They both refer to the increased volatility in sustainability for 2018. 2017 has been very volatile. If 2018 will be even more volatile we all need to put our seat belts on and prepare for the ride. 2018 sounds like a bumpy ride.

2018 will be an important year for sustainability that is certain. How the relationship of business and sustainability will turn out is anyone’s guess. What it will turn out to be will be analysed at the end of the year. That is only certainty at least.